City of Anchorage Ordinance AO 2025-115 · Missed July 30? Grace period for late registrants runs through Oct. 1 →

Rules & Requirements for Alaska Hosts

Plain-language guides to what's required of Alaska short-term rental hosts, organized by region. Not legal advice — accurate information about the rules and how to follow them.

Find the Rules for Your Region

Select your region to see the short-term rental rules where you host. Current as of August 2026 — members receive direct alerts when rules change.

Anchorage · Girdwood · Eagle River · Chugiak · Palmer · Wasilla · Talkeetna · Mat-Su

Anchorage — AO 2025-115

Portal Open
The registration deadline was July 30, 2026. Haven't registered yet? The Assembly voted July 21 to give owners who receive a violation notice up to 30 extra days, through October 1, 2026, to register before fines apply. Registration itself is still free and required, and listings must display a Municipal STR Registration Number starting July 31.
Registration: Free annual registration under AMC 10.90 (Ordinance AO 2025-115). One-year term (May 1 – April 30); renew each May 1.
Tax: Anchorage room tax applies. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit it automatically; for direct or other bookings you remit it yourself.
Key requirements: Local point-of-contact required. Registration number on all listings. STRs are permitted by right in residential zones. Display your number and keep your portal information current.
Show the full AO 2025-115 guide

Information you'll provide at registration

Per AMC 10.90.020, registration requires the following for each rental unit:

  • Street address of the STR
  • Type of living unit (bedroom, house, townhouse, duplex, or condo)
  • Whether the owner resides on the STR property
  • Whether the STR is available seasonally or year-round
  • Whether the STR has been rented long-term (30+ days to the same renters) in the past year
  • Name(s) of the owner(s)
  • Name and phone number of a local point-of-contact
  • An affirmation that the information is true and complete

Key dates

  • Dec 16, 2025 — AO 2025-115 adopted by the Anchorage Assembly
  • May 1, 2026 — Portal opens · B&B permits end · annual renewal date going forward
  • July 30, 2026 — Deadline for existing STRs to register
  • July 31, 2026 — Registration number required on all listings and advertisements
  • July 21, 2026 — Assembly passes AR 2026-213, giving owners who receive a violation notice up to 30 extra days to register before fines apply
  • Oct 1, 2026 — This fines-grace period ends
  • Annually, May 1 — Renewal due (Host Alaska reminds members ahead of time)

For bed & breakfast owners

B&B permits are no longer issued or renewed as of May 1, 2026. Former B&Bs must register as STRs through this program. Anchorage's Bed Tax still applies separately — direct Bed Tax questions to the MOA Program Tax Department. For a refund on a recently renewed B&B permit, contact the Permit Counter of the MOA Development Services Division.

Enforcement

The municipality enforces registration through code enforcement and fines, not automatic delisting. Owners who receive a violation notice have up to 30 extra days (through October 1, 2026) to register before a fine is imposed, and the municipal attorney's office has said enforcement officers are encouraged to dismiss fines once an owner registers. Host Alaska joined Airbnb, VRBO, and other tourism industry voices in asking the Municipality to extend this deadline past peak season. Community members can report suspected unregistered rentals to the Anchorage Code Enforcement Hotline at 907-343-4141 or via the #ANCWorks request system. Read more (ADN) →

Questions?

Municipality of Anchorage: 907-343-4311 · MuniLicenses@anchorageak.gov

Host Alaska support: info@hostalaska.org or submit a question. Members receive direct guidance and renewal reminders.

No dedicated STR program yet in Mat-Su, Girdwood, or other Southcentral communities — the state business license still applies. Know of a local rule we're missing? →

Also Required Everywhere in Alaska

Every Alaska Host Needs a State Business License

Under Alaska Statute AS 43.70.020, anyone earning rental income in Alaska — including from a single short-term rental — must hold a current Alaska Business License from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, on top of any local registration.

$50 for one year · $100 for two years (50% discount for seniors). Apply through DCCED →

This information is general only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with your municipality. Report a regulatory change →

Federal Tax & Pricing Rules Also Apply

Short-term rental income is reportable for federal tax purposes. Most Alaska jurisdictions also require platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to collect and remit local lodging taxes directly when bookings flow through them. Federal pricing-display rules apply to short-term rental listings as well. For questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified tax professional or attorney.

Baseline Safety Recommendations

Host Alaska recommends that all Alaska hosts meet these baseline safety standards regardless of local requirements. Being a responsible host protects your guests, your community, and your business.

Fire Safety

  • Working smoke detectors on every level
  • Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
  • Fire extinguisher in kitchen
  • Clearly marked emergency exits

Insurance

  • General liability coverage appropriate to your hosting scale
  • Short-term rental endorsement or separate STR policy
  • Verify platform coverage gaps with your insurer
  • Document property condition before each stay

Documentation

  • Alaska State business license displayed
  • Municipal registration number on all listings
  • House rules provided to every guest
  • Emergency contact info posted at property

Good Neighbor Practices

  • Notify immediate neighbors you are hosting
  • Respond promptly to neighbor concerns
  • Set clear noise and guest policies
  • Maintain property appearance

Stay Ahead of the Regulations

Members receive direct alerts when rules change in their municipality — within 24–48 hours of any significant development. Don't find out about a new requirement by missing a deadline.